Cat?

  In a rather serious context, Shakespeare’s Hamlet said, “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” I’m thinking that maybe he left out a key word. “To be a cat, or not to be, that is a better question.” There are those, I am told–both guys and gals–who actually enjoy the feline species. Personally, I’m not partial to shredded furniture, pinstriped arms, or finding dead, partially eaten mice under the sofa, but, hey, it takes all kinds. Perhaps to some misguided individuals, the thought of transforming into a feline stimulates brain cells, but I’m sure I’d make a terrible cat. One man told me that if he had to be an animal, he would want to be his mother–in–law’s cat, because it is treated more royally than human nobility.

   On a more serious note, you might more easily relate to the Shakespearean dilemma if the context were, “To be a thief, or not to be,” “To be a liar, or not to be,” “To be an adulterer, or not to be,” “To be an idolater, or not to be.” We are constantly confronted with moral decisions that, if treated lightly, can leave us in a lurch. Perhaps to you the choices are simple, or already made. But to many, the trap of immorality has closed its lethal jaws around their very soul.

   What we need is a standard by which to measure ourselves and the things that we allow. There is such a standard, contrived in the very mind of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16).

   But you probably are not interested in God’s standard, if you don’t know Him personally. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

   I know God by faith in His Son, Jesus. I would love to introduce you.

   And yes, I know...God made cats too!